If you are thinking that this post is going to about a trail with majestic views, lakeshore property, solitude and wildflowers, I’m sorry (not sorry) to mislead you. I just have to share about a hike we did this January within the Olympic National Park that somehow had more than its share of hot topics walking up and down the trail.
I’m not sure if this is normal for this spot as it was my first time there, or whether folks were taking advantage of the fact the government had been shut down that morning. It was, also, one of the first trails up the road from Port Angeles and my theory about trails to avoid was definitely validated.
The controversial activities I saw stood out to me because not only were they obvious, but they were topics continually being addressed within my hiking online world, mostly because they tend to go downhill quickly when someone either posts they did them or posts a rant about how others are doing them. And even more likely, someone posts about them just to get an argument started. I can’t even say I am innocent of having posted a comment or rant myself. I would guess that deleting or moderating posts involving these take up 65% of our time (the rest left to politics, viral videos and advertising).
Have you seen the heat turn up with the discussion of any of these topics?
Marijuana
Yes, marijuana is legal in Washington State but not on federal land. We walked through several clouds and joked about the possible effects of secondhand smoke. Personally, I’d rather have this than tobacco smoke in my face. But just like my opinion about tobacco smoke, one should be able to hike without breathing in someone else’s personal choice.
Dogs With or Without Leash
Pets are not allowed in the national park, period. My friend had left her own pooch at home this day because of this very rule. We passed about 4 this day, some on leash and some not. Some believe pets in wilderness areas goes against the purpose of designating wilderness areas in the first place and principles of LNT. Public wildlands have varying rules on the access of dogs, it’s important to know the rules before you go. My opinion is, I don’t care for plastic wrapped poop bags on trails.
Drones
So, the drone was in a pack and I did not witness it being used, thankfully. However, the two gentlemen in shorts and tennis shoes carrying it were noticeably looking for an unpopulated spot to do so and quickly left us for higher elevations. Drones can not be launched, landed or operated within the national park boundaries. I can’t say I haven’t enjoyed some drone footage myself and the gift to my family last year when we were given some drone footage after a family member fell to her death on Sauk Mountain was priceless. But in general, I go to the wilderness for the sounds of the forest not buzzing.
Guns
This one wasn’t obvious to me but it was to the Seattle police detective we had in our group. A young lady was packing heat on her hip as she passed us as part of a larger group. I did have to educate myself on this one, turns out it has been legal to carry since 2010 but the rules on discharging are lengthy. Legal or not, folks definitely have opinions about their use in the wilderness. I am not a gun owner nor do I feel any need to carry one. I understand why others do but it doesn’t make me feel any safer to be around them.
Feeding The Birds
A young couple was feeding the Grey Jays (Camp Robbers) as we came to the lake and not only stopped when they saw us but moved to a spot further away to continue. Pictures of oneself with an outstretched hand and a bird perched feeding can be found in many social media posts, I guess everyone has a thing for recreating Disney princess movies no matter one’s gender. As cute as they are, feeding the birds leads to issues like changing their natural behavior and promoting disease. It may be fun to feed birds so as to have a close encounter with them, but the truth is we are interlopers in the natural course of things. I feel in urban areas where we are more disruptive as humans is one thing (hummingbird feeders and butterfly gardens) but wildlife should be left to its own in the wilderness.
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Some of these are illegal, poor etiquette, or just pet peeves. Those that are not allowed aren’t so for a very good reason, mostly having to do with Leave No Trace and respect for wildlife. I didn’t take pictures of what I witnessed because I’m not entirely sold on the value of public shaming but I imagine if you spend enough time on trails in the Pacific Northwest you’ve seen your share. As more and more of us turn to trails and wilderness areas for recreation, we are sure to have more frequent encounters with folks enjoying it in ways different than our own.
Are any of these hot topics for you? Is your favorite (worst) trail pet peeve missing? What do you think about some of these laws (or lack there of)?
You can find more details and pictures about this hike on my trip report: Lake Angeles and more on how to recreate responsibly in the outdoors on Leave No Trace Seven Principles. To know the rules about hiking on this trail and spending time in the national park, you can read up on the Forest Service website.
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